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Three teams ‘very interested’ in Grabovski: agent

Vincent Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, Keith Aulie, Colby Armstrong, Joey Crabb

Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mikhail Grabovski, left, juggles the puck as Tampa Bay Lightning’s Victor Hedman chases behind during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Monday, March 14, 2011. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darren Calabrese)

AP

According to Mikhail Grabovski’s agent, Gary Greenstin, there are three “very interested” NHL teams in acquiring his client’s services.

Greenstin made the remarks Monday while speaking to ESPN’s Craig Custance.

In making his decision on where to sign, Grabovski, 29, will apparently look beyond the money that’s being offered and more to the role he can expect to play for his new club. (Which is no surprise, really, when you consider what he had to say about Maple Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle after being bought out by Toronto. Suffice to say, Grabovski wasn’t too happy being turned into a checking center.)

“He’s great on power play,” Greenstin said. “Can play penalty killing. He’s a great play-maker. He would like to stay here. He’s an NHL player. He would like to win something.”

Grabovski, a center, had four years remaining on his five-year contract with Toronto (cap hit $5.5 million). The buyout will cost the Leafs $14.3 million over eight years.

Greenstin didn’t share which three teams are “very interested.” We’ve suggested Winnipeg before; however, it’s possible the Jets may be up against their budget once they get Blake Wheeler and Zach Bogosian signed.

Another team that could use a center is Calgary, except we’re not sure winning hockey games is a big priority for the rebuilding Flames.

Related: Grabovski not interested in KHL